Types of Sailing Boat
There are different types of sailing boat, ranging from small boats to huge ships.
Sailboats are recognized or classified by:
1. The number and shape of working sails
2. The number and location of masts
The various combinations are known as rigs. The components of rigs are; mast (that supports the front edge of mainsail and the halyards), the boom (that supports the bottom edge of mainsail), the sails and the stays.
Here are 7 basic types of sailing boats;
1. Sloop
A sloop has 1 mast and 2 sails, a mainsail and a jib. The sloop ring is actually the most popular rig for medium and small-size sailing craft due to its simplicity and efficiency.
2. Catboat
A catboat has 1 mast and 1 sail, with its mast stepped forward. Since a catboat has 1 sail, it’s a perfect choice for sailing with children or shorthanded.
3. Sunfish
A sunfish has 1 mast with a dagger board and lateen sail (rig).The sunfish boat is popular because of its easy portability and small size.
4. Catamaran
A catamaran boat is distinguished from the other types of sailing boats by its 2 hulls. The catamaran boat has 1 mast, and 1 or 2 sails, depending on the size of the boat. A catamaran is a fast boat.
5. Schooner
A schooner has 2 masts; the taller mainmast is usually located in the aft position. A schooner has 3 or 4 sails.
6. Ketch
A ketch has 2 masts, the shorter one being the mizzenmast. A ketch has 3 or 4 sails.
7. Yawl
A yawl has 2 masts; the mizzenmast is usually shorter than the main mast. A yawl has 3 or 4 sails. A yawl is similar to a sketch, however the mizzen on the yawl is much smaller than on the ketch.Generally, a mizzenmast is used for boats that are thirty feet or longer.